Our Foundational Principles

The Call to the Ministry

It is essential for a pastor to have the call of God to the ministry. Along with the call, there needs to be a wholehearted commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. This should translate into diligently studying the Word of God and cheerfully serving the people.

God’s Model for the Church

The church’s priorities must include: being led by the Spirit, teaching the Word of God, and growing in fellowship with one another. The purpose of the church is to live for the kingdom of God and to bring glory to Jesus Christ.

Church Government

The New Testament teaches the establishing of bishops (overseers) and the appointing of elders. It seems that the most effective model is to be pastor-led. The pastor (as overseer) seeks to be led by the Lord, aided by the elders who assist in discovering the mind and will of Jesus Christ for His church.

Empowered by the Spirit

We believe that there is an experience of the empowering of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer that is distinct and separate from the indwelling of the Spirit that takes place at conversion. The Holy Spirit initially dwells with a person prior to conversion, and then in a person who receives Christ. But there is a coming upon a person by the Holy Spirit (baptism or filling) that produces an overflow for effective witness and service.

Building the Church God’s Way

Since it is God’s church, He will build it. We don’t have to get involved in promotional gimmicks. The typical style of our worship service is relaxed and casual; with a focus on worship with music, teaching the Word of God, and encouraging one another through relationships.

All of us have been forgiven much and constantly need God’s grace. Having received grace and mercy, God wants us to be gracious and merciful to others; forgiving them, restoring them, giving them another chance. It’s better to err with too much grace than with legalism and judgment.

The Priority of the Word

In order to truly teach “the whole counsel of God”, we need to teach through the entire Scriptures. Another benefit of teaching through the Bible is that people can’t claim to be picked on. The passage and topic has simply come up in the flow of going through the Scriptures.

The Centrality of Jesus Christ

We want Jesus to be the center of our worship, so anything that distracts, or draws attention away from him (onto an individual) should be avoided. It takes courage, wisdom and gentleness to sometimes remind someone about a distracting behavior.

The Rapture of the Church

One day Jesus will come, without warning, for the saints (to snatch believers away). It could happen at any moment. Believers are not destined to receive God’s wrath (which begins with the Great Tribulation), but will be delivered from it. Hope of the Rapture keeps believers living in readiness, keeps material things in proper perspective, and gives believers a proper sense of urgency about spreading the gospel.

Having Begun in the Spirit

Once God does a work in a person’s heart (and in a local church), it is tempting to stop relying on the Spirit, but on our own strength and wisdom and programs. God can only continue to bless those who continue to humbly rely on him. He will greatly use the most unlikely candidate if there is a willingness to trust in his Spirit. Having begun in the Spirit, God wants church leaders to continue to walk in the Spirit, and to let the Lord build His church.

The Supremacy of Love

Without love, having gifts of the Spirit in operation, or having perfectly correct doctrines is of no value. The highest calling of a Christian is to love God and to love others; and the key to loving others is learning to understand them. What truly brings glory to the Father is seeing Jesus’ disciples (God’s children) loving one another.

Striking the Balance

It is best not to take a dogmatic position on the many debatable issues found in Scripture. Whenever two groups have historically picked sides on an issue, it means that the Scripture teaches both. If we teach the whole Bible, both sides on each issue are eventually addressed without having to choose sides. What the intellect can’t grasp (such as the full humanity and full divinity of Jesus) can be accepted by faith. On some things, we will only gain full understanding when we are with the Lord.

Ventures of Faith

Sometimes it is good to leave behind old programs and old ways of doing things. God has a work to do and he is looking for people who are willing to step out in faith to follow His leading. Sometimes it is helpful to take a step of faith. “If it works, rejoice. If it doesn’t, look for something else.” The key is: are we available to be led by the Spirit